A Cup of Hope for Neurodiverse Adults

Join Our Group of Champions                                 

With an 85% unemployment rate, adults with autism and Down Syndrome deserve a place to contribute their gifts. The new SLS Community coffee shop, Grace & Flavor, is that and more.

Become a partner in honoring the wisdom of our incredible community of neurodiverse adults. Please donate to our campaign and help us build Grace & Flavor into a dynamic gathering place that will change lives. #youmakemesmile

Why Grace & Flavor?

Our first location is in Downtown Springdale, Arkansas at 117 W. Emma. Already rich with diversity, Springdale gives us an opportunity to bring together many cultures, ages, incomes, learning differences,  corporate and small businesses and much more. Our signature sandwiches, salads, smoothies and coffee drinks fuel energizing conversations and provide a quiet, tasty respite from the demands of the day. Partnering with like-minded businesses, such as Rockin’ Baker Academy and their pastry/culinary state-approved training program for adults with autism, we are building workforce opportunities for a talented, yet often overlooked group of remarkable people.

Mark's Story is the First of Many to Come...                                                    

Mark is a hard-working, talented young man with great potential... and he is autistic. When we first met Mark in July 2018, he was homeless, recently lost his job, felt disconnected and was living simply day-to-day. His friends from Little Rock contacted SLS Community and asked if we would meet with him. Mark wanted a job and hoped to contribute to something positive.

After SLS connected Mark with the HR manager at Phigenics, a water management company, Mark was offered a job in shipping. He excelled, was reliable, detailed and became an important member of the team. He was so determined to be on time that he walked over an hour each way to work. Mark mentioned getting a bike for his commute. The team got together and gave Mark a bike and all the accessories to celebrate his contribution to the company. Today, Mark has an apartment with a roommate, a new life and doesn’t miss a day of work. And, he is an inspiration to his teammates.

Thank you to our partners!

• Phigenics
• James & James Furniture
• Commerce Construction
• City of Fayetteville
• Arts Center of the Ozarks
• Airship Coffee Roasters
• Startup Junkie
• Downtown Springdale Alliance
• Rockin' Baker
• May Institute
• Core Architects
• Windshield Investment Group

Fueled by SLS Community                                         

SLS Community is launching a series of social enterprises that will create an innovative network of skills training, employment and support for neurodiverse adults. Most paid services end after high school and, along with the high unemployment rate, the incredible contributions of talented men and women go untapped. We’re going to change that. It is our intention that revenue from the SLS Community social enterprises will offset support costs for families seeking services. SLS Community is a 501(c)3 organization.

Help us build a network of meaningful work opportunities, customized individual training, opportunities for interaction and support for families. Please donate today. #youmakemesmile